Mable Caplis Smith, born on April 18, 1914, in Taylortown, Louisiana, was the cherished daughter of Lazurus and Lela Caplis. Growing up during a challenging era, her life became a powerful testament to resilience, strength, and unwavering faith. On September 1, 1930, she married Leroy Smith, Sr., and together they welcomed three children: Bessie, Clara, and Leroy Jr. From this foundation, their family blossomed into five generations, encompassing 22 grandchildren, 80 great-grandchildren, over 136 great-great-grandchildren, and more than 22 great-great-great-grandchildren.
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A woman deeply anchored in her faith, Mable accepted Christ at a young age and committed her life to serving God. Her devotion was evident in all her endeavors, and she remained a loyal member of Living Hope Baptist Church in Shreveport until she answered the call to her eternal home on Saturday, July 5, 2025. Her professional journey began as a nanny and maid, and she later worked at P&S Hospital, before transitioning to Confederate Memorial Hospital (later known as LSU), where she made a significant impact on the lives of others as a server and line cook in the physician’s cafeteria. After retiring in 1974, she dedicated herself to being a homemaker, lovingly providing childcare for numerous children over the years, thus influencing generations beyond her own family. Her remarkable 111 years of life were filled with love, care, wisdom, and guidance.
Mable’s inspiring spirit, fierce determination, and zest for life will continue to resonate through the countless lives she touched. She was affectionately known as “Big Mama,” “Mama Mable,” and “Mamo,” names that will forever echo in the hearts of many. She
was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Smith, Sr.; her brother, Willie “Bill” Caplis (Etherine); her children: Leroy Smith, Jr. (Lizzie Mae), Bessie Kingston (Henry), Clara Bell Kennon, and Betty Jean Armstrong Doyle; grandchildren: Cynthia Denese “Cindy” Smith, Bobby Ray Smith, Jeffery Steven Smith, Ester Kingston, Henry Kingston Jr., Tommy Ray Kingston, Dorothy Houston, Larry Wayne Kingston, Kenneth Kennon, and May Kennon Gant; great-grandchildren: Kienna Smith, David Scott, Dwayne Kingston, Robin Scott, and Asher Kennon; and great-great-grandchild: Zyrece King. She is survived by her son-in-law, Archie Kennon, Sr., along with a legacy of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, her brothers and sisters in Christ, extended family, and friends, all of whom cherish her memory.
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Celebration of Life services for Mrs. Mable C. "Big Mama" Smith, of Shreveport, will be Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at the Lake Bethlehem Baptist Church, 2842 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Shreveport, Louisiana 71107. Dr. Bennie Alford, Sr., is officiating, and interment will follow in Round Grove Cemetery. Public Viewing will be Friday, July 18, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. – 7 p.m., in the Chapel of Washington's & Smith's Paradise Funeral Home, 1842 Barton Drive, Shreveport, Louisiana 71107. Flowers may be sent to or purchased at the Funeral Home.
